Career Assistant in a Classroom Setting

Looking to build a meaningful career supporting young people in education?

This Sunderland-based school is looking for a Career Assistant to support learning within the classroom, working alongside experienced teachers and pastoral staff to help students build confidence, independence, and practical life skills.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working closely with young people and wants to make a real difference in a supportive and structured school environment.

The role involves working with Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students (ages 11-16) who may require additional support to engage fully with their learning.

The Type of Person They Are Looking For

The school is looking for someone who is enthusiastic about working with young people and committed to helping them succeed both academically and personally.

They are particularly interested in individuals who are:

• Warm, approachable, and supportive
• Confident when interacting with young people
• Patient and able to remain calm in different situations
• Motivated to support students with varying needs
• Interested in developing a long term career in education

Building positive relationships with students is a major focus in this role. Staff are expected to engage with pupils throughout the day and support them both academically and socially.

Experience Requirements

Previous experience working with young people or in an education setting is desirable but not essential.

The school is open to candidates joining on a trainee classroom support scale, meaning individuals with the right attitude and motivation can learn the role on the job.

This position could be particularly suitable for:

• Graduates considering teacher training
• Individuals interested in youth work or pastoral support
• Support workers looking to transition into education
• People with childcare or mentoring experience

Full guidance and training will be provided by experienced staff.

Daily Responsibilities

As a Career Assistant in the classroom, you will play a key role in supporting both teachers and students throughout the school day.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting students during lessons to help them remain focused and engaged
• Working with small groups who require additional guidance
• Helping students understand tasks and instructions
• Supporting literacy and numeracy activities where required
• Encouraging positive behaviour and classroom participation

You will also support students with organisational skills, helping them develop the confidence needed to succeed in their studies.

Classroom Support Expectations

Support staff are expected to be active within lessons, rather than observing from the back of the room.

You will be encouraged to:

• Circulate the classroom to provide individual support
• Reinforce learning instructions from the teacher
• Encourage students to complete their work
• Support students who may struggle with confidence or concentration

The school places a strong emphasis on building independence, helping students gradually develop the skills needed to manage their learning.

School Environment

The school is known for its supportive and structured environment where students are encouraged to develop both academically and socially.

Key aspects of the environment include:

• Small class sizes that allow staff to provide focused support
• A calm learning environment with clear routines
• Strong pastoral support for students
• Collaborative working between teachers and support staff

Staff communication is strong and everyone works together to ensure students feel supported and safe.

Behaviour and Student Support

Students are supported through clear expectations and consistent routines.

Support staff are expected to:

• Promote positive behaviour through encouragement and guidance
• Help students regulate their emotions when needed
• Work closely with teachers to maintain a calm learning environment

Training in behaviour management strategies may be provided over time.

Development Opportunities

This role offers excellent opportunities for professional development.

Staff may have access to training such as:

• Behaviour management strategies
• Safeguarding training
• Special educational needs support training
• Pathways into teaching or higher level support roles

Many individuals begin their education careers in support roles like this before progressing further in the sector.

Overall Ethos

The school believes that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and staff play an important role in helping them achieve this.

The atmosphere is supportive, structured, and focused on helping young people grow in confidence and independence.

This role will suit someone who is positive, proactive, and passionate about supporting students in education.

Apply Today

If you are interested in starting or developing a career in education and would like to support students in a rewarding classroom role, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch to learn more about this opportunity in Sunderland.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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